o > 



w o 



;^ 



,v 



.^^ 



"v:£7, 



s • • 



^^ » 













s^ V % ^^ V ^ ' • °' 



" o 



. f-c 



o 






s • • 



- ^v V \' ^* ^"^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ 






^. 








> 










'^0^ 




u. v5^ ^"O' •> 






» / T 



,0' 




*- o « o ^ ^'?* 













v "^ 




I 'I 

I 









I 






o 


"*. ^- . 


z 


« 


— 1 
< 


f 




i-. 


n 


; •> 


€ 


( 


o 




-n 




H 


v3^ 


zr 


V 


n 




n 




o 




(— 




a 




3 




pi 




o 




I 




o 


*l 


s 


,1 


pi 




^ 


>• 




'■;? 




''!' 




/ 




:^^%-/- 



'^^^~&}- 



'n 




m. 



■'4fK " 



imr 



H^ 









mssSs"'' / ■ 



f^*!^ 



^ '^h.ainxicon. n'el ■ 



Z •>, 1. . «/■ J"<r ,■ » »iy JK. y. 



©la&ClK! @!L®i 



broken §km. 



SKETCHES 



OF THE 



HISTORY, CHARACTER, AND EYING TESTIMONY, 



OF 



BEIEEICIARIES 



OF 



THE COLOEED HOME, IN THE CITY 

OF NEW-YOKK. 



PREPARED BY 

MAEY W. THOMPSON, 

AND PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OP THE INSTITUTION. 




NEW-YORK : 
JOHN F. TROW, PRINTER, 49, 51 & 63 ANN-ST, 

1851. 



\ 



I 






-«-*-•- 



Darkness, which might be felt, 

Hung o'er that dreary land, 
Where Afric's sable children dwelt 

Amidst its glittering sand. 
Those shadows there, might still 

Have direful influence shed, 
O'er grove, and glen, and towering hill, 

Deepening in awful dread. 
Had not Almighty Power, 

With beams of light Divine, 
Broke through the gloom, in Mercy's hour, 

In radiance there to shine. 



" • ♦ ■»- 



CONTENTS. 



Blind Sopha, . 
Amy Jordan, 
Judy Richards, 
Abigail Dobson, 
Edward, 
Phillis Douglas, 
Betsey Johnson, 
Phebe Spalding, 
Old Sarah Henry, 
Eliza Didymus, 
Poor Johnny, . 
Catherine Queen, 



PAQE. 



Preface, ...••• ^ 

Introductory Remarks, . . • • • ^ 
Biographical Sketches : — 

Hercules Schureman, . . • • .16 

Jonathan Skinner, . - • • .19 

Tommy Warner, . . • • • ^^ 

. . - 21 

. . • 22 

25 

28 

30 

31 

• 33 

. 36 

. 36 

. 37 

40 



CONTENTS. 



Biographical Sketches : — 

Katy Schenck, . . . . 

Margaret Simpson, . 

Diana, . . . . . 

Minutes of Chaplain, 

Serena Johnson, 

Diana Ravner, 

Sarah Robinson, 

Blind Diana, 
Incidents, . ... 

Sketches from Mrs. R.'s Report, 

Peter Bense, 
Concluding Remarks, 

Condensed Statement of the Colored Home, 
Managers' Names, &.C., 



PA.OB 

. 41 

48 
. 48 

60 
. 52 

52 
. 53 

53 
54 to 56 

64 
. 67 

73 

75 
. 77 



P R E E A C E 



The design of this little book is to make known more 
extensively the character of the Institution on whose be- 
half these pages speak,— to prove its usefulness in carry- 
ing out the plan of benevolence in pursuance of which it 
was originally established, and which, in its operations 
thus far, has fully proved its utility and advantages, 
showing itself worthy the patronage and support of a 
benevolent and Christian public. 

The Institution not only provides protetjtion and a 
peaceful home for the respectable, worn-out colored ser- 
vants of both sexes of our city, by sheltering and sustain- 
ing them during the lingering days of declining life, but 
furnishes them in their last moments the consolations of 
religion. 



. 6 • PEEFACE. 

It also relieves the Aims-House and the community 
of another portion of colored persons, who, being sick or 
diseased, hopeless and helpless, have no means to provide 
for themselves, and who would necessarily, otherwise, be- 
come a burden upon society. These latter, by an arrange- 
ment entered into with the commissioners, are received 
into this Home for a season, or until they are healed of 
their sicknesses and able to resume employment, — thus 
they are rescued from much suffering and destitution, 
being cared for, instructed in the right way, lifted up 
from degradation and wretchedness, and encouraged to 
habits of industry and propriety. 

The Managers contemplate, so soon as their means 
will justify them, erecting a chapel, or a building 
with chapel accommodations, and school-room, for the 
instruction of the inmates who choose to avail them- 
selves of the privilege of learning to read and write. 
They have also accommodation rooms for workshops, 
where the inmates of the Home, not incapacitated by ill- 
ness or infirmities, may be taught some handicraft which 
may be a source of profit to them after leaving the Insti- 
tution, enabling them to support themselves by their 
.industry. 



PKEFACE. 7 

We have commenced this work in faith ; trusting that 
the public will contribute to our aid to enable us to carry 
out our plans of operation. The enterprise certainly 
commends itself to the judgment and liberality of our 
humane citizens, to whom we look for encouragement, 
sincerely trusting we shall not be disappointed. 

M. W. T. 

New- York, 1851. 



<&w 



% 






INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

The original cause of all suffering is sin. It is this 
that has ^^hr ought death into the world, loith all our 
woeP The fact is established by the experience of 
every age. 

To the Christian, the sufferings of this life, how- 
ever painful and severe, are not worthy to be com- 
pared with the glory that shall be revealed. Hav- 
ing passed through all its sorrows, its toils, and its 
deprivations, he rejoices when 

" The soft peace-march beats *■ 

Home ! brothers, Home !" 

Notwithstanding the suffering which all are call- 
ed to endure, while passing through this vale of 
tears — some more, some less — it is yet pleasant to 
1 ^ 



■'^ 



';'* 



10 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

know, that much of this anguish and misery can 
be alleviated, soothed, and made more endurable, by 
the exercise of sympathy and kindness. For the 
true illustration of these Christian virtues, and to 
confirm us in our devotion, we have a perfect pat- 
tern for our imitation in Christ, who hore our sins in 
His own body on the tree. Thus, having the em- 
bodied testimony of Him, whose earthly pilgrimage 
was, that " He went about doirig good,^^ Christians 
are boimd to carry out the Divine intention be- 
queathed by Him whose mission was mercy ^ and 
whose precepts and example are obligatory on all 
who profess to be His followers. 

Jesus left no duty unfulfilled : nor may His chil- 
dren leave undone the work that He hath given them 
to do. They are to imitate Him in all His imitable 
perfections ; not that "tis possible that their devotion 
can ever equal His, nor that they can thereby make 
themselves meritorious in the siglit of God : nay — 
but because He hath commanded us to tread in His 
foot-prints, and taught, that " herein is His Father 
glorified, that we bear much fruit," is the heart that 
from love to Him desires His glory, impelled to pray, 
and toil, and struggle, that by its obedience Christ 
may be glorified, and wretched men be blest. 

Christian sympathy is no dull, inoperative prin- 
ciple ; no bidding " Be ye warmed and clothed," the 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 11 

while it shutteth up its bowels of compassion ; it is 
not satisfied with a mere knowledge of its duty ; 
but awakened at the cross, where it is made im- 
measurably a debtor. As Jesus did, it seeks the poor, 
the destitute, the suffering, that it may minister to 
their necessities and sorrows, and, if possible, as- 
suage their woes, 

Jesus sought the wretched and lost ; His mercy 
was extended to all ranks and conditions of men ; 
none were too humble for His eye of kingly love — 
none too depraved and fallen for His compassion. 
His presence, though He was the King of kings, 
won to His healing lip and hand the sorrow-stricken 
and the poor. The worst of sinners, despairing of 
every other source of relief, knew so well from His 
own lips His heavenly mercy ; that despite the crim- 
son guilt that would have driven them from His 
spotless purity, they had no power to resist the gen- 
tle kindness that drew them to His feet, but came 
and sought and found forgiveness. Whoever came, 
believing in Him, received the blessing, and none 
were ever sent unblessed away. The sick and suf- 
fering were healed of their maladies ; the suppliant, 
bowed together by the spirit of infirmity — by a word 
from His merciful lips became loosed, till she stood 
erect before Him. The captive He set free; He 
made the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue 



12 INTEODUCTOET EEMAEKS. 

of the dumb to sing. The accused, condemned by 
men, was forgiven, freed from condemnation by His 
tender word of pity, " Neither do I condemn thee ; 
go^ mid sin no more^^ The blind, who heard of 
His approach, hfted their piercing cry at His coming ; 
He touched with His finger their sightless balls, and 
forthwith there fell from their eyes as it had been 
scales ; and in the breaking of the glory of the light 
of heaven on their unprisoned senses, they ran, and 
leaped, and followed Jesus. The sorrowing mo- 
ther, sister, friend, mourning in bitterness of grief 
the departed, received again to their embrace the 
loved ones who had been enshrouded for, or had 
lain in, the grave — " Maid, arise P* '■ Young man, 
I say unto thee, arise !" '' Lazar^us, come forth P^l 
and the dead lived again to manifest His praise and 
glory. 

How is this spirit of Jesus Christ to be developed 
toward the wretched and impoverished children of 
Africa ? 

We do not deem it necessary to discuss the point, 
that the formation of the head and brain make the 
man or woman Avhat they are ; we leave this for 
the jjhilosopher and man of science. But we do 
believe, that much depends upon the arrangement 

'^ Luke viii. 54. f Luke vii. 14. t -^ol^" x'- ^3. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 13 

and strength of the physical system ; its immediate 
connection with circumstances and advantages ; its 
occupations, means, and disposition for improve- 
ment. This is evident amongst the white popula- 
tion which flock to our shores. Many of them are 
miserable outcasts from their own country, where 
they knew little else than poverty and woe; and 
who, seeking relief from the burdens that oppressed 
them, have come to the land of lights liberty^ and 
enterprise. Here, they are taken by the hand, 
treated as human beings, placed upon the same 
level with ourselves, and made fellow-citizens, and 
cheered with the hope, not only of rising to notice 
and consideration, but, sharing every civil blessing 
we enjoy, are, in due time, even suffered to be com- 
petitors to exalted place and honor. 

It is this that constitutes us a noble and mag- 
nanimous nation, the result of the principles of that 
glorious Constitution, that causes us to stand out in 
bright and bold relief upon the list of the nations of 
the world— a free, generous, sympathizing, inde- 
pendent and happy people. None who come to our 
shores are turned away ; we open our hearts and 
bid them welcome ; we open our hands and relieve 
the suffering and wretched exile, and give him a 
home, and bestow upon him blessings, who never 
knew till now what blessings were. 



14 INTRODUCTOEY EEMARKS, 

The foregoing remarks are not to be considered 
as irrelevant to our purpose, nor do we ask to 
have the same broad principles carried out toward 
those for whom these pages do especially plead, to 
wit, the infirm and poor of our colored population. 
The providence of God, as also the usages and order 
of society, seems to have placed these in a different 
sphere from those who are made of fairer dust, and 
who are born and placed under happier auspices ; 
they are of a dijaerent caste ; but we would speak of 
them as human beings, possessing immortal spirits, 
sensible of their accountability to God ; we believe 
them to be endowed with minds capable of intellec- 
tual culture, and of giving glory to God, by a sin- 
cere and humble profession of faith in Christ ; and 
by an unpretending and Christian deportment. 

Of their seeming inferiority, incapabili^es, and 
other humiliating considerations, much might be 
said in vindication and defence, from the position in 
which they have ever been held, since their intro- 
duction among civilized communities ; taught from 
the beginning to view themselves a§ constituted 
by nature of an inferior order, subject to the will, 
and to labor for their superiors. This being ingrafted 
upon their minds from the very start, they come to 
believe it a truth to which they are bound to yield 
with all submission ; and until they are brought to 



INTKODUCTORY REMARKS. 15 

colonize themselves in a region separate and distinct 
from those who cannot, and will not consider them 
as equals, nor admit them to the participation of 
constitutional privileges and rights, they must for 
ever remain in a state of vassalage, or marked dis- 
tance from us. 

Time, and judicious legislation will eventually 
bring a change ; when the colored of our race will 
be elevated to their proper position and standard. 
Liberia is a witness of this, in the growing success 
of its efforts, and in the judicious management of 
her rulers. 

But, while time and effort are working these 
changes, much can be done to improve and advance 
the moral culture and physicial condition of those 
to whom we allude, whom Providence has thrown 
upon our charities ; and who, from imperative cir- 
cumstances, must remain in our midst. We can 
show them that we care for them, and for their com- 
fort and welfare, and make them happier in their 
depressed situation. 

The following facts will confirm this opinion. 

M. W. T. 



SKETCHES. 



HERCULES SCHUREMAN 

Was one of the earliest inmates of the Colored 
Home; he was a man of miusual size, about six 
feet fom- inches— large muscular frame, indicating 
great physical strength. He was over 100 years of 
age when he entered the Home, and for some time 
after was confined to his bed by sickness and in- 
firmities. Yet he was happy and cheerful, in find- 
ing, as he remarked, " such a resting-place as this, 
for the remainder of his pilgrimage." And still 
more happy did he seem in the anticipation that 
when his days on earth should be ended, he should 
be permitted to glorify in heaven the Saviour whom 
he loved to serve. 

In his person, old Hercules was dignified, and 
his manner and language such, as to command re- 
spect and attention. He was once a slave, but in 
1* 



18 HERCULES SCHUREMAN. 

early life, by his industry and good conduct, pur- 
chased his freedom, became a minister of the Gos- 
pel in the Methodist connection, and for more than 
fifty years he preached Christ, and proclaimed to 
his dying fellow-men, the grace of God which bring- 
eth salvation, and " that liberty whereivith Christ 
maketh his /^eop/e free^ He was well instructed 
in the Scriptures ; and although unskilled in human 
learning, nature had endowed him with great men- 
tal abihties, combined with a most retentive memory, 
which being enriched and sanctified by the Divine 
Spirit, made him truly a remarkable man. 

" I have never been more impressed with the 
fact," remarks Mrs. A., one of the Managers, " than 
when, at the social meetings at the Home, this aged 
disciple of more than a century would pour forth 
the desires of his soul in a strain of fervent prayer, 
which for strong figurative language I never heard 
equalled." He died in the faith in which he had 
lived ; and, " like a shock of corn fully ripe" has, 
we trust, been gathered into the heavenly garner. 
His age was 105. 



JONATHAN SKINNER. 19 



JONATHAN SKINNER 

Was another disciple of Christ to whom it has been 
the privilege of this Institution to ^'give a cup of 
cold water.'' He also was a Methodist minister. 
His age 87. He was amongst the earliest of the 
beneficiaries of the Home. It is to be regretted that 
something of his early history was not obtained ; 
but enough of his pious labors were witnessed to 
rank him among the most useful servants of God. 

As long as his strength would permit, he went 
from one sick bed to another, praying for, and en- 
couraging the penitent to hope and trust in Him 
who sent His Gospel to the poor. 

To none could the language of the poet be more 
justly applied — 

" Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, 
The Christian's native air ; 
His watchword at the gate of death, 
He enters heaven with prayer." 



20 TOMMY WAKNEK, 



TOMMY WARNER 

Was a native of Western Africa^ and when he had 
nearly reached the period of manhood^ was taken 
from his native landj and brought to the West Indies 
as a slave ; from thence he was transported to the 
South, where he remained for many years. He af- 
afterwards came to the city of New- York; and pre- 
vious to his entering the Colored Home (1844) was 
for sixteen years an inmate of the City Aims-House, 
He died in January, 1847, aged about one hundred 
years. 

He was a most exemplary person in his general 
character, exceedingly amiable in disposition, of re- 
tiring habits, having but little intercourse with those 
about him. The only person to whom he appears 
to have formed any particular attachment, was " Old 
Henry," who two years was his room-mate, Henry 
died about six months before Tommy ; after which 
Thomas said but little, nor took much notice of 
passing events. When spoken to on the subject of 
Henry's death, his general remark was, "I think he 
gone home ; I think the Lord help him up ;" at the' 
same time making a motion with both his hands ex- 
pressive of his views. He wished to be buried near 



BLIND SOPHA. 21 

his friend Henry, and as a space had been left by 
his side for this purpose, his desire was gratified. 
It was on the Sabbath that Thomas was buried. 
At 12 o'clock, the inmates, male and female, assem- 
bled in the hall, filling that large space almost to 
overflowing, while a deep seriousness pervaded the 
assembly. " Jerusalem, my haj)j)y home P^ was se- 
lected by one of the inmates as a hymn of which 
he was particularly fond : it was sung. The fune- 
ral service was then read, followed by appropriate 
remarks. Thomas needed no eulogy, for all knew 
and loved him. Followed by five of the oldest fe- 
male inmates, and all the old men who could walk, 
he was conveyed to his final resting-place, and laid 
by the side of his friend Henry, The reflection is a 
pleasant one, that all his wants on earth were sup- 
plied — all his wishes to the utmost gratified. 



-♦-♦^ 



BLIND SOPHA, 

She was brought from Africa when about seventeen 
years of age. After passing a long life of accumu- 
lated sufferings, she was eventually sent to our 
alms-house, where she lingered four years. Of the 



22 AMY JORDAN. 

name of her master we are uninformed ; but she 
often spoke with much affection of him. 

A more emaciated frame was seldom seen ; hav- 
ing been previously accustomed to the best food, the 
change of diet in advanced age was trying to her 
system, and she wasted away without apparent dis- 
ease. Yet she never complained or asked for any 
thing. While at the alms-house, on receiving her 
weekly allowance, her broken thanks were mostly 
accompanied with tears.* 

One of the committee giving her some refresh- 
ment before her death, she placed her hand in hers. 
Sopha raised it to her lips, kissed it many times, and 
said, " God bless you. Missy. Sopha never eat more. 
Oh, God will bless you, dear Missy." Soon after, 
she calmly departed. 



♦ ♦ • 



AMY JORDAN 

Was a slave by birth, born in the State of Virginia. 
She twice worked for and paid the amount requn-ed 
for her freedom — once to her mistress, who died be- 

* Previous to establishing " the Home," the managers pro- 
cured accommodations for their pensioners at the Aims-House, 
where tiiey were visited and attended to by them. 



AMY JORDAN. 23 

fore making out her free papers, and then again she 
worked and paid the same amount to the children ; 
or, as she termed it, " once to her old mistress^ and 
once to her young master.''^ She had one child, a 
son, who in his early life was taken from her and 
sold into bondage, and carried into a distant part of 
the country, since which time she had never heard 
of him. After overcoming a succession of obsta- 
cles, she at length found herself in a free city, 
where she lived, supporting herself by honest in- 
dustry, until her health and strength failed; she 
then sought admission into the Aims-House. After 
the purchase of the building occupied as the " Co- 
lored Home," she was one of the first inmates, 
where she continued in infirm health until she en- 
tered into her final rest. 

Amy was baptized by immersion at Norfolk, Va., 
twenty-two years before her death. She was an ex- 
emplary Christian. Her views of the Gospel plan 
were clear and Scriptural. Her sickness was long 
and protracted ; she suffered much in consequence, 
yet she was never heard to complain, or manifest 
impatience, though her views of the " better land " 
were of such a happy cast, that she often longed to 
be gone, looking to her Heavenly Home with in- 
creased delight as her end drew near. 

During her lingering days, she frequently spoke 



24 AMY JORDAN. 

of her son, and it awakened feelings of deep sym- 
pathy to hear her relate the circumstances of this 
painful separation, for he was her " only child ;" and 
she often spoke of him with maternal tenderness ; 
ever manifesting under all her trials a spirit of for- 
giveness to those who had deprived her of this joy 
of her life, and exhibiting a temper and disposition 
that would adorn human nature in any situation. 
She never spoke with bitter or revengeful feelings ; 
but displayed, as far as she was able, the spirit of 
her Divine Master, by her gentleness, humility, and 
forgiveness. 

As death approached, and she appeared to be 
fast sinking, her kind physician. Dr. P., urged her 
to take some medicine. She said, " Oh no, doctor, 
let me be gone, I long to be at Honie^ — I will do as 
you say, but I want to be away, my blessed Master 
waits for me ; oh precious, glorious Master !" And 
such were her longings and talk, until death closed 
the scene. Her faith seemed remarkably bright, 
and her confidence in her Lord's promises unwaver- 
ing, sure, and steadfast. " How unlike," says Dr. F., 
'' the dying words of the skeptical, yet intellectual 
and accomplished Charles Lamb, ' I am unwilling to 
leave this beautiful spot called earth, I am unwilling 
to part from its green fields, its refreshing shades, 
and verdant lawns, for that unknown land that men 



JUDY EICHAEDS. 25 

call heaven,' " (fee. What a contrast with the faith 
of this humble child of Africa ! — Her last words 
were: " Christ is near me; I want nothing moreP 
Her age was 1^. 



-•-♦-»- 



JUDY RICHARDS 

Was another of the most worthy pensioners of the 
Colored Home. She was an inmate of but one 
year, when she was called to take possession of her 
promised inheritance. During the short period she 
was an inmate, she rendered herself an object of 
peculiar interest to all from the strength of her 
gratitude and affection toward those from whom she 
received favors, as well as from the high attain- 
ments whicR she had made in Christian knowledge 
and experience. She was an enlightened Christian, 
and her whole walk was consistent with her high 
and holy calling. Her time was mostly spent in 
reading the Scriptures, or in religious conversation 
with the sick and dying. Humility was a pro- 
minent feature in her Christian character ; and many 
Avho sought interviews with her, felt that it was to 
their own edification in spiritual things, rather than 
that of " imparting any spiritual gift ;" and those of 



26 JUDY EICHAEDS. 

the managers who were in the habit of visiting her 
for this purpose, will not soon forget the affectionate 
cordiality with which she welcomed them, and the 
fervor with which she implored the Divine blessing 
to rest upon them. The writer of the Sixth Annual 
Report says, " It was always refreshing to enter into 
religious conversation with her ; and gladly would 
we have sat at her feet to hear her discourse in sim- 
ple eloquence of the preciousness of her Jesus, as 
it always pleased her to call Him." Toward the 
latter period of her life her mind became somewhat 
harassed with doubts in reference to her personal 
acceptance with Christ ; and she seemed for a time 
to be enveloped in thick darkness. On one occasion 
she said to a young friend, " Can't you say something 
to comfort me ? Something about Christ ?" The 
reply was, " Aunt Judy, I feel as if I ought to come 
to you for instruction." She said, "(fh, but my 
Jesus is not nigh me ! He is a great way from me, 
and I want you to help me find Him." 

Her soul was burdened for several weeks, during 
which time she observed many seasons of fasting and 
special prayer. She repeatedly gave directions to 
those who prepared her food, to make no provision 
for her breakfast ; nor was the cause of her absti- 
nence known until some time afterwards. Thus 
evincing that her fasting was not that of " the Pha- 



JUDY RICHARDS. 27 

risee, who appears unto men to fast." Finding no 
relief from this occasional abstinence, she at length 
devoted three days to special humbling of her soul 
b(ifore God, during which time she took scarcely 
food enough to sustain her animal frame. At last 
the powers of nature yielded under this excessive 
mortification, and {he physician was called in to see 
her. He rebuked her imprudence, reminding her 
that at her advanced age she could not endure so 
long abstinence. Her reply showed the power with 
which the adversary had plied his temptations, as 
well as her own determined resolution to resist to 
the last. " This kind," she said, " goeth not out, 
but by prayer and fasting." 

She at length found the peace she had been 
seeking ; and enjoyed to the last hour of her life a 
holy serenity of soul and an unfaltering reliance 
on her Saviour. But her aged frame had received 
a shock from which it could not recover, and she 
continued gradually to decline till the second of 
September, 1845, when death came as an angel of 
mercy to deliver her from her infirmities. During 
the last week of her life there was a constant look- 
ing forward to her joyful reward. Often in the 
night her companions were awakened from their 
sleep by her exclamations, such as, " Only at the 
feet of Jesus I wish to lie ! I feel to lay very close 



28 ABIGAIL DOBSON". 

at his feet !" — and by her singing hymns descrip- 
tive of the happiness of the heavenly state. Her 
last words were, " Praise the Lord ! I am on my 
journey home /" Aunt Judy was 90 years of age, 
and had been a professing Christian 60 years. 



-♦-•-•- 



ABIGAIL DOBSON 

Was a native of the West Indies. Came to this 
country in her early years, and to the city of New- 
York, about the year 1806. She had lived in the 
family of Captain Conger. Her mother, she stated, 
was a servant in the family. Abby was quite aged, 
but cannot exactly say how old, but she •' remem- 
bered Mr. Washington's ivars.'^ In 1812 she be- 
came afflicted with an inflammation of her eyes, 
which in the following year resulted in the total loss 
of her sight ; and from that time until the day of her 
death she was never able to distinguish between the 
hght of day and midnight darkness. She entered 
the N. Y. Aims-House in 1813, from whence she 
was transferred to the Colored Home in 1844; 
where she closed her life, after much suffering, on 
the 3d of February, 1847, leaving the clearest evi- 



ABIGAIL DOBSON. 29 

dence that the change was to her one of joy and not 
of sorrow. She had been for some time a consistent 
member of the Amity Street Baptist Church, and 
was exemplary as a Christian, mild and amiable in 
her intercourse with those around her, patient un- 
der suffering, with a constant looking forward to the 
" rest which remaineth for the people of God." She 
had no particular disease ; nature seemed gradually 
to give way, and she sunk to sleep as a little child. 
The chaplain, in one of his reports, speaking of an 
interview he had with her, says : " On inquiring 
the state of her mind, she expressed herself as happy 
in the midst of her afflictions. Sometimes distress- 
ing doubts obscured her prospects. ' But,' said I, 
' you can trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, can you 
not?' 'Yes,' was her answer; ' I do ; I can say 
with Job, " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in 
Him." The Saviour comforts me, and the hope of 
being with Christ revives me, rejoices my soul.' In 
regard to the probable result of her sickness she 
said, ' I have no will of my own — my Master's will 
is mine. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not 
want.' When prayer was proposed, she said, ' I 
greatly desire you should pray for me ; pray that I 
may be faithful to the end ; pray that I may have 
clearer evidence of my interest in Christ, and that He 
would strengthen me to do and to suffer to the end.' " 



so EDWARD. 

To this the physician adds — " She was uncon- 
scious for some hours before she breathed her last. 
Her last words to me were, ' I thank my Master, I 
feel no pam.' " 

All who approached her she welcomed with a 
cheerful smile. Devout and constant in prayer, she 
bore in remembrance before her Father's throne all 
she held dear on earth. During the sickness of any 
of the Managers, it seemed to be her comfort contin- 
ually to commend them to her covenant-keeping 
God. 



-•-•-•- 



EDWARD. 

The Chaplain remarks of this young lad : " My 
attention was drawn to one sitting in the corner of 
the room, reading the Memoir of J. B. Taylor. 
Near him lay a Bible and a hymn-book, which 
gave rise to the following conversation: 'Well, Ed- 
ward, what do you think of the Bible?' 'The Bi- 
ble? It is my main guide.' 'And what do you 
think of its author, Jesus Christ?' 'He is a pre- 
cious Saviour! I feel him to be so.' 'But he af- 
flicts you, does he not?' 'Yes; but no matter for 



PHILLIS DOUGLAS. 31 

that ; these hght afflictions, which are but for a 
moment, are working for me an exceeding and eter- 
nal weight of glory.' 'And how, Edward, do you 
expect to get to heaven? and what will you do 
when you get there V ' I shall get to heaven 
through Jesus Christ ; and I shall there give God 
all the glory, and continually praise Him.' " 



-t-»-^ 



PHILLIS DOUGLAS 

Had been a slave in the State of New Jersey, and 
at the early age of twelve years chose God as the 
guide of her youth, who she said had not forsaken 
her in her old age. She was very aged when she 
came to the Home ; was a paralytic and deprived of 
the use of her hands. Yet she manifested a great 
desire to be useful. In. the days of her youth, and 
when in bondage, she used to pray that she might 
be free and become a missionary. The first part of 
her prayer was answered some years ago ; and her 
second request was answered when she became a 
beneficiary of the Colored Home. Being able to 
•read, and fully appreciating the privilege, she deter- 
mined to impart her knowledge to the young who 



32 PHILLIS DOUGLAS. 

were inmates, and to others of her aged companions 
who were disposed to learn. She took great plea- 
sure in this employment, teaching them their cate- 
chism, and learning them to sing hymns. Won- 
derful was her success, and rich her reward in this 
labor of love. One of the aged women, who had 
passed her threescore years without learning a let- 
ter, became her pupil, and in the course of a month, 
with a stammering but exulting tongue, she read 
the pages of God's Word. And there is much rea- 
son to believe, also, that the prayers and counsels of 
Phillis, accompanied by the power of Divine truth, 
have resulted in salvation to this precious soul. It 
may truly be said of her, " She has done what she 
could." 

A few hours before the death of Old Phillis, she 
remarked : " 1 cannot tell how much I have suffered 
from head to foot, but it is nothing compared with 
the love of God in my soul. I would willingly suf- 
fer it all over again, to enjoy the peace of God which 
comforts me." She rejoiced in the prospect of the 
rest in heaven. 



BETSEY JOHNSON. 83 



BETSEY JOHNSON. 

This remarkable woman attained the patriarchal 
age of one hundred and fourteen years, and although 
her eye became dim and her physical force abated, 
yet the eye of her soul gazed with increasing clear- 
ness upon the realities of the eternal world, and her 
spiritual energies waxed stronger and stronger, as 
the number of her da^^s diminished. 

Although she was unable to read, yet so reten- 
tive was her memory, that she could repeat exten- 
sively from the Scriptures and from Dr. Watts's 
Hymns. • She appears to have lived until she was 
about ninety 'four years old, before she was brought 
to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, Avhen 
she illustrated the sincerity of her profession by a 
consistent walk and conversation. In the midst of 
all her infirmities and sufferings, she exhibited to all 
around her indubitable marks of a Christian temper ; 
and when the messenger of death approached (who 
had long lost his terrors to her), she called for the 
inmates of the Home, and with her dying breath 
solemnly charged them to meet her in Heaven; 
then in the triumph of faith she breathed out her 
soul in the arms of her Redeemer. 
2 



84: BETSEY JOHNSON. 

Betsey was a pure native of Africa, and in her 
earliest life was brought to one of the West India 
islands. From thence she was taken to Virginia, 
about the period she used to call the " Old War" 
before the Revolution. During the War of our In- 
dependence she remained in the Southern States, 
frequently changing owners. She often spoke of 
one of her young mistresses, whom she tenderly 
loved ; and probably from her she learned the first 
lessons of religious truth. She remembered well 
most of the incidents of the Revolution, and the 
names of many of the most prominent characters of 
those days were familiar to her. During that period 
she married (being probably about thirty-five), and 
had several children. 

Her piety was of a most interesting character. 
She seemed to feel, that all the various trying cir- 
cumstances through which she had been called to 
pass, were intended for her eternal good. Her mind, 
at times, appeared to rise above this earth, and her 
spiritual contemplations were of a most delightful 
character. She had been for a number of years a 
member of the Spring-street Presbyterian Church, 
under the pastoral cliarge of the Rev. Dr. Patten, 
and was highly esteemed for her consistency by the 
members of that congregation. 



PHEBE SPALDING. 35 



PHEBE SPALDING. 

She was an aged pilgrim. She died suddenly of 
cholera, after three hours' illness. But although 
suddenly came the messenger, he found her not un- 
prepared, nor unsupported in that period of bodily 
agony. She called her companions around her bed 
to tell them of her happiness, said her " Saviour was 
near, and the angels around to carry her home." 
After a paroxysm of pain, she said : " Precious Sa- 
viour, stand by me !" and thus passed quietly away. 

The evening before her death, she came into the 
room, clapping her hands, and joyfully exclaiming, 
" Glory ! Glory !" " What is the matter?"' inquired 
the physician, surprised at so much noise in a time 
of such dismay ; (for they were falling around on 
every side, the worst days of the cholera.) " Why," 

she replied, " Thomas L has expressed a hope : 

I thinl^ he will only live a few hours." Thomas, 
however, recovered and lived ; but before morning, 
Phebe had entered the eternal world. 

She was anxious in life to be useful, and occu- 
pied her time in teaching her old companions to read 
the Scriptures ; and her patience and zeal in this 



36 OLD SARAH HENRY. 

duty were most interesting. She never expressed 
herself weary, but only laid aside her book when 
her pupils became fatigued. 



-♦-•-•- 



OLD SAKAH HENRY 

Was born in New Rochelle, Wescthester County ; 
had lived in the family of Mr. William Post ; said 
she ''^loas married on the day that the Asia fired on 
the city.'''' She was in the Home several years, and 
died at the age of 90 years. She always received 
the visits of the managers with a smile of welcome : 
" I am always so glad to see my people" (as she 
termed the ladies of the Institution). On one oc- 
casion of these visits, she said : " Here I am yet, 
IdIcss the Lord ! waiting patiently for my precious 
Saviour to call me home ; He knows the best time, 
I feel no will of my own ; I feel satisfied to lay here 
upon my sick bed ; and try, when I am in pain, to 
think, Oh how glorious will be that home, where 
there is no more pain — no suffering — no sin ; I long 
for it ; but 1 am willing to wait till my Saviour sees 
fit to call me. Here there is no rest — no peace ; all 
in this world is like a cobweb, the least wind breaks 



ELIZA DIDYMUS. 87 

it, and if any thing strikes against it, it goes to 
pieces; so is the peace of this world broken: but 
where my Saviour is, there is rest and peace." Thus 
was this aged saint always gentle, submissive, and 
apparently contented and happy. She has gone to 
her heavenly rest. 



• • • 



ELIZA DIDYMUS 

Was, for two years previous to her decease, an in- 
mate of the Female Hospital of the Institution, with 
consumption. Her case was in many respects 
pecuhar, sometimes greatly improving, so that she 
was able to walk about, and then relapsing into a 
delirium, from excessive debility. She would thus 
remain for several days; but her wanderings of 
mind were all of a pleasant character ; she was 
straying amidst delightful gardens, or where the 
sounds of sweet music could be heard ; or she was 
among early friends, and pleasing associations. 
Ever thankful for favors, she remembered them 
with the warmest gratitude. 

During the few last months of her life she was 
much exercised on religious subjects, and, for some 



38 ELIZA DIDYMUS. 

weeks before her death, seemed happy ; at times joy- 
fully longing to be gone. To the managers she was 
strongly attached, and each week longed for the 
visiting day, that she might once more see them, 
and thank them for all their kindness. Of one of 
them, in particular, who frequently visited her, read 
and conversed with her, she was very fond. " My 
dear Mrs. N.," she would say, " I must see her once 
more, she has been so kind to me." One morning 
she thought herself drawing near her end, but ex- 
pressed a wish to live to see the physician ; at 11 
o'clock he arrived, and shortly after seeing her, find- 
ing her very low, he told her that she was appa- 
rently about to depart. " And is it so ?" she exclaim- 
ed ; " Is the time at length arrived ?" Joy beamed 
in her countenance ; and she reached out her hand 
in farewell to all. 

At her request Mr. B. engaged in religious exer- 
cise, and such was the solemnity of the scene that 
all were affected to tears. " Let me meet you all 
again," she said ; " Farewell^ farewell^ all .'" And 
so departed. 



POOR JOHNNY. 39 



"POOR JOHNNY," 

As he was familiarly called, was a little colored boy, 
who came to the Home in 1846. He was about 13 
years of age, and had been from his earliest life a 
victim of scrofulous disease. About this period it 
had settled in his right hip-joint, which rendered it 
difficult for him to walk even with the help of 
crutches. He was a great favorite of the entire 
household, and a pet with all his physicians ; and 
as long as he could walk, was in the habit of coming 
to the doctor's table to receive whatever had been set 
aside for his dinner. He was of a meek and gentle 
spirit, and grateful for every mark of attention 
shown him, so that it was a pleasure to do him 
kindness. The last year of his life he was almost 
entirely confined to his bed, and for months his 
body was racked with pain too distressing for words 
to describe ; even the changing of his clothing was 
torture to his emaciated limbs, which were covered 
with sores ; but he was a pattern of patience. That 
dark skin covered one of the most amiable and • en- 
gaging spirits ever witnessed. Not a murmur escaped 
him ; quiet, and bearing his afflictions with a sub- 
mission that astonished the beholder ; though young, 



40 CATHARINE QUEEN. 

he seemed at this early age to have deep reh'gious 
impressions, and to be sustained by grace, and to 
look forward with joyful prospect to death, as a gain 
to the child of God. His love and affection for all 
around him was extremely affecting ; sharing with 
them the little dainties that were occasionally brought 
to him by friends. At length, worn out by his suffer- 
ings — in the morning of his life — one day, at early 
dawn, he calmly fell asleep without a sigh or a 
groan. His end was peace. His death, we thinkj 
was gain. 



-•-•-•- 



CATHARINE aUEEN. 

We are unable to give her early history. But she 
had been some years at the Home. Her age was 
97. For a long time she was very infirm and help- 
less. She died in May, 1850. Some of the mana- 
gers spent much time by the side of her bed, read- 
ing the Scriptures and conversing with her. This 
she greatly enjoyed, and always received it with 
great thankfulness. Catharine was of a thoughtful 
and contemplative turn, and always in so happy a 
state of mind, as made it a pleasure to visit her 



e:aty schekce. 41 

room. Her remarks were of a character indicative 
of deep humility and entire submission to the will 
of her Heavenly Father ; observing, that He knew 
what was for her good ; and " although at times," 
said she, " I suffer greatly from pain, yet never more 
than for my good." Occasionally she seemed impa- 
tient to be gone, yet again would check herself, and 
say — " It was not right ; it is my duty to wait the 
will of God." 

" Aunt Q,ueen," and " Aunt Katy Schenck," as 
they were familiarly termed, were room-mates, their 
beds were contiguous, and they appeared to have a 
kind regard for each other. Intimate friends in the 
latter days of their pilgrimage, by death they were 
not long divided ; their society was pleasant, cheer- 
ful, instructive, and shed a lustre on the holy reli- 
gion they so humbly professed. 



-•-♦•- 



KATY SCHENCK. 

" I wotJLi3 like to tell you many things," said 
she one day to one of the reading committee (Mrs. 
T.), " but I will do it some other time." She was 
requested to relate what she had to say, iioiu. " Well, 

2* 



42 EATY SCHENCK. 

I will give you a little of my history. I was born 
in Monmouth, New Jersey, in the family of Gerrit 
Vandeveer, where I lived until I was thirty years old. 
He was a kind and good master, gave me plenty 
to eat, and treated me well ; our house was within 
three miles where the great battle was fought^ and 
I might have seen it if I had been a mind to. I 
was. very wicked in my early life, but I was indus- 
trious and worked hard." 

" When I was about twelve years old, I had 
strong convictions of sin, but resisted them, and 
strove to get rid of them by carelessness, and en- 
deavored to drive religion from my thoughts ; but I 
could not, although I gave myself to loose and 
wicked company. After a while my convictions 
left me, and I continued on in my wicked ways un- 
til I was seventeen ; then the Lord took hold of me 
again, but I was determined to resist, and I fought 
against Him with all my might ; and how long do 
you think I fought against the Lord ;" said she, 
looking earnestly in my face, " why, till I ivas 
twefity-eight years old ;" and even then the devil 
seemed determined that I should serve him, and not 
the Lord. But I worked on in my duties, and 
tried to serve God with all my might. Oh how my 
mind did strive, I cannot tell you, but it is fresh in 
my memory." 



KATY SCHENCK. 43 

" One day, when my mind was thus dreadfully 
distressed, I was going a milking, but I felt so 
wretched, I did not know what to do ; it seemed that 
hell was ready to receive me — it was evening — I 
fell upon my knees — I prayed, Lord^ have mercy 
upon nie and help me ! A\\ at once, I looked up, 
and I thought I saw heaven open, and it appeared 
to me the Lord was stooping down and lifted me 
lip ; and these words came to me : ' Thy, people 
shall be loilling in the day of Thy poioer? I stood 
still — I felt such a change ! I hardly knew what 
I was doing — I could not milk, I could do nothing 
but rejoice — I shouted aloud, and ran home, telhng 
all my folks how happy I was. They did not 
know what to think ; they asked me if I was crazy. 
I went to bed, but I could not sleep for my happi- 
ness. I felt now that the Lord had fast hold of me, 
and I was safe. I was now willing and desirous 
to serve God, and I went on my way rejoicing." 

" Thus in this graphic language did this old 
Christian woman describe the struggles connected 
with her conversion. And I could have lii).;; rod 
to have heard more of her subsequent history, but 
my duties directed me onward. 

" Not long after the above, I again," continues 
Mrs. T., "visited this old servant; she was sick 
and in bed. I found her very feeble, and remarked, 



4A KATY SCHEKCK. 

I had come to read to her, if she was able, and 
would like to hear me. She replied, she ' would be 
very glad to hear me.' 

" I read one of Burder's sermons to the aged, en- 
titled, ^ Peace in Deaths During my reading, 
she frequently interrupted me with remarks both 
forcible and strong. After I had cone hided read- 
ing, I said, ' You are very sick, and very old. We 
are all liable to sickness, and it is appointed that we 
all must die I The young sometimes depart in 
early life ; but aged persons cannot expect to live 
much longer, but it matters not, so long as they die 
peaceful and happy ; and now I have been reading 
to you about a good old man, of whom you have 
doubtless often read in the Bible, good old Simeon, 
You remember his history, do you not V She quick- 
ly replied, ' What ? old Simeon and Anna ? Yes, 
indeed !' and raising herself upon her bed, she com- 
menced such a strain of eloquence as completely 
astonished me. I was silent, and waited to listen to 
her ; I had gone to be her instructor and consoler j 
but she was my teacher, and I felt 1 could linger at 
her side, for it was good to be there. She had 
raised herself upon her bed — ' Simeon,' said she, 
' was a good man, he was waiting for the salva- 
tion of God, and when he took the blessed Jesus in 
his arms, he was convinced that it was the Saviour 



KATY SCHENCK. 45 

he held there, and he said, " Noio lettest thou thy 
servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation.''^ Now I feel just as Simeon did ; I am 
ready to depart when God shall see fit. I am a 
poor, helpless sinner, I can do nothing — indeed 
there is nothing for me to do, for my Saviour has 
done all ; and I am just waiting for Him to call me 
home. I lay here upon my bed, and I thi7ik, and 
think ; I don't say nothing, but I feel as Mary 
did— I don't tell all I feel, but I keep it in my heart ; 
I am an ignorant woman, and cannot express my- 
self very well ; but I trust I have been taught in the 
school of Christ, and have learned of Him. I used 
to go to Sunday school ; I learned much there, and 
I bless God I ever went.' 

" I was fearful she would fatigue herself, and re- 
minded her of her weakness ; she replied, ' I would 
like to tell you many things,' and proceeded : ' Well, 
I would say that the Lord has taught me many 
things, and I have tried to teach others ; I may say 
(and I would speak it without pride), / have preach- 
ed the Gospel, that is, I have tried to speak for God, 
when I had a good chance. I must tell you a little 
story : I was at one time travelling in a vessel on 
the Ohio river ; I had said something to some one 
about religion; the captain of the boat and his 
wife began to ridicule and abuse me ; there were 



46 KATY SCHEKCK. 

also several young men on board who were going to 
some college, and they likewise joined with the 
captain and his wife, and tried to make sport of me, 
taunting me for my complexion, making many foolish 
speeches, such as they thought would hurt my 
feelings. I said nothing for a while, but waited 
until they had ceased ; then I turned to them and 
said, ' Gentlemen, have you got through with your 
speeches ?' They replied, ' Yes.' ' Well,' I said, ' now 
it is my turn.' ' Go on,' said they. ' Well, you are on 
your way to College, aint you V ' Yes.' ' Well, you 
need schooling, but you'll never complete your edu- 
cation till you get it in the school of Christ ; and, 
if you don't get it there, and die in your sins, you 
will j)Grishfor ever ! You have tried to make sport 
of me, and you think you are fine gentlemen, 
but I tell you, you aint hurt my feelings ; I feel 
sorry for you, because I think you don't know any 
thing you ought to know, and are not " wise unto 
salvation." ' I talked on,' said she, 'and when I 
was done, a young Englishman turned to me and 
said, 'Mother, where did you get your learning, 
and who told you all these things } did you get 
it from the priest V I said ' No ! I learned it in 
the school of Christ, and from His blessed word 
the Bible ; and I tell you, if you don't go to 
that sciiool, but die in your sins and ignorance, 



KATY SCHENCK. 47 

you will never get to heaven. Whether what I 
said did them any good, or made an impression on 
them, I don't know, but they teased me no more, 
and on the rest of the way were very civil and 
polite ; I thought they seemed to have felt what I 
said, and I prayed God they might.' " 

This old disciple was a lively Bible Christian, 
and generally speaking, was of a good and cheerful 
temper. In conversing of the new Home then being 
built, to one of the Managers, she remarked, " it 
will be very nice, but it must not make us forget 
the home in the heavens, the building not made 
with hands, built upon a sure foundation ; for 
this new Home we are to have built for us here, 
must finally crumble and fall to the ground ; but 
that in the heavens will last as long as God him- 
self" So rich was her experience, — so interest- 
ing her conversation ; something so attractive about 
her, so cheerful, and she had so many pleasant 
things to say, all savoring of Christian piety, of 
God's goodness and mercy to sinners. His condescen- 
sion and kindness, especially towards herself; that 
it was pleasant to linger by her side. 



48 DIAKA. 



MARGARET SIMPSON 

Was born in North Hampton, eastern shore of Mary- 
land ; came to New- York in her childhood, and 
lived in the family of the widow Townsend many 
years ; says she has worked hard all her life, and 
has fairly worn out in service. She came to the 
Home in 1844. And although very feeble, tried to 
do what she could to make herself useful, by assist- 
ing in some of the household affairs. She was 
" thankful that she had so good a home in her last 
days." 



• » ♦ 



DIANA. 

Prom mrs. t.'s report. 

In one of the wards of the Hospital, where I had 
gone to read and converse with the sick, lay Diana, 
(a young woman,) very low — scarcely able to give 
utterance to her words. Her mind was dark and 
ignorant; she "knew her heart was unchanged" 
(I use her own words), " but believed that Christ 
was able to save her, and hoped he would." I 



DIANA. 49 

read to her the 51st Psalm, and a suitable tract. 
She listened attentively, and I saw the tears fill her 
eyes. On my leaving her, she thanked me for the 
interest I felt for her. Alas ! what Christian can 
visit such scenes — witness the darkness of ignor- 
ance, and hear the simple, earnest expressions of 
hope, coming from untaught lips, and not feel a deep 
interest in the objects which excite it ; and strive 
faithfully to discharge a Christian's duty to the help- 
less and ignorant around him ? 

In the same room was Catharine , also 

a young woman of pleasing countenance. She 
greeted me with a smile. On my addressing 
some words to her, she replied, " I am very weak 
and feeble ; I do not expect to get well — indeed, I 
have no wish to stay in this world ; I am still 
young, but I have seen enough to know that it is a 
world of sin and trial ; and if it should please my 
Heavenly Father to take me away from it, why I 
am willing to go ; yet I would be patient and wait 
His time. I thank Him that I was ever brought to 
this place, it is a good Home, and I have a great 
many mercies and comforts ; I can read, and I take 
great satisfaction, in reading the Bible and other 
good books ; I bless God I ever came here." 

" I have always derived," remarks Mrs. T., in her 
Report, " great satisfaction from visiting this young 



50 MINUTES OF THE CHAPLAIN. 

person ; she is so mild, humble, pleasant and cheerful 
amid her pains, and unmurmuring under her afflic- 
tions." She rests now from all these ; and we trust. 
" sleeps in Jesus." 



• • •■■ 



FROM THE MINUTES OF THE CHAPLAIN. 

The Chaplain remarks — " Among those of the bene- 
ficiaries was Phebe Green ; she has recently been 
called to her heavenly home. Her exemplary de- 
portment for a long time gave satisfactory evidence 
that her name had been written in the book of life. 

" In her last moments she was not alone, for the 
Saviour on whom she relied was with her, and the 
arms of everlasting love carried her safely through 
the trying conflict. She died with the name of 
Jesus on her lips, exclaiming, ' Co/ne, Lord Jesus, 
come quickly.'' The 27th Psalm, which was read 
to her, seemed to afford her sweet and refreshing 
views of the Redeemer, in whom she reposed her 
confidence, and through whose merits alone she 
hoped for salvation." 

"As I approached the couch of a dying youth, 
calling me by name, he earnestly requested that 
prayer might be ollcred in his behalf, remarking 



MINUTES OF THE CHAPLALN-. 61 

that his ' time was short.' Prayer was offered, and 
his immortal spirit commended to Him who hears 
the feeblest breathings of the penitent ; and who 
can save even at the eleventh honr those who con- 
fide in the merits of the Lord Jesus. He died in 
about two hours after." 

'• Another individual, Carter, — who was far ad- 
vanced in life, and while in health was a constant 
attendant on the public service of God ; her seat 
was seldom vacant, and her whole soul seemed ab- 
sorbed in the truths which were uttered. Previous to 
her last illness, she would occasionally repair to the 
room of a pious female for the purpose of religious 
conversation, and to listen to the reading of the 
sacred Scriptures. When assailed by the disease 
which closed her earthly pilgrimage, her mind was 
peaceful, and her heart filled with universal love. 
On the day preceding her disolution, she exclaimed 
with emphasis, ' OA, / want to go to Heaven P On 
being asked why she wished for heaven ? she re- 
plied, 'Because God is there.' She was habitually 
prayerful, and her consistent Christian deportment 
has furnished ample testimony to those who knew 
her best, that she was truly a ransomed soul, and, 
we trust, has reached that world of purity, where 
sin and suffering are unknown." 



52 DIANA EAYNER. 



SERENA JOHNSON 

Had long been confined to her room oy infirmity 
and disease. On inquiring of her what was the 
present state of her mind, she rephed, •• / am still at 
the feet of Jesus ^ every day begging for mercy ; I 
think I shall he ready ^ through Jesus Christy when 
death comes ; I lean on Him^ I depend on Him^ I 
can do nothiiig without Him. I hope He will keep 
me in the hollow of His hand^ and close hy His 
bleeding side. The prayers of God's people lift 
Tne up — make my heart warm,P " She loves the 
society and conversation of Christians, and feels 
neglected, if in her solitude a few moments are 
not spent with her in prayer. Such was the 
simple testimony which this poor and ignorant 
colored woman gave of the power of religion on her 
own heart." 



-•-♦^•- 



DIANA RAYNER. 

"I WELL remember her as my guide in months past 
to the various apartments of the sick, infirm, and 



BLIND DIANA. 58 

anxious. She always evinced that sympathy and 
love for others which characterized Christian bene- 
volence. We trust she sleeps in Jesus — and will 
hereafter awake in His likeness." 



-^-^•- 



SARAH ROBINSON. 

As she gradually declined in health, no cloud seem- 
ed to obstruct her spiritual vision. She patiently 
and submissively waited for her release from sin 
and suffering; and appeared to have a foretaste of 
heaven in her soul. 



-» • * 



BLIND DIANA. 

" On approaching the bed of Blind Diana, she 
immediately recognized my voice, greeted me cor- 
dially, and spoke of the inward peace she experi- 
enced, and the implicit confidence she felt in tlie 
Saviour ; ' His will,' said she, ' is my will, and I am 
still waiting for Him.' This poor blind one seems 
to take hold on Christ by intelligent faith and hope, 



Ik 



54 INCIDENTS. 

and the consciousness that He is her friend, seems to 
mitigate her sufferings, and enable her joyfully to 
anticipate the change which is approaching. Such 
examples of patient, Christian submission, are cheer- 
mg to the pious heart, and eminently worthy of imi- 
tation. 

" Few of the pensioners interest me more than 
Blind Diana ; never have I seen any thing like 
impatience or dissatisfaction with the dispensations 
of Divine Providence towards her; on the contra- 
ry, sweet submission to the Divine will marks 
her whole deportment. 'Do not the days seem 
long,' said I, ' as you can neither read nor work V 
' Oh no !' was her prompt reply, ' for though blind, 
I can think, of my precious Saviour, and con- 
verse \vith Him. I have in Him something to lean 
upon, and no one knows how much comfort I have 
in my Saviour. It is all well, whatever He is pleased 
to lay upon me — / shall be at home by and by P 
Such is the uniform state of her mind ; calm, peace- 
ful, ' looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of 
her faith.' She now, we trust, beliolds with un- 
sealed eyes, and unobstructed vision, the refulgent 
glory of heaven." 

" In the Female Department I was addressed by 
one who lay sick and low. Slie greeted me cor- 
dially. I had scarcely commenced conversation, 



INCIDENTS. 55 

when the tears started in her eyes, and she exclaim- 
ed :' I feel that I am a poor sinner, bnt God is kind 
and good to me in my afflictions, and I can trust in 
Him.' 

" Every successive month affords encouragement 
to believe that the Divine Spirit is graciously operat- 
ing on some of the objects of this Christian charity. 
Our religious services are marked by seriousness 
and devout attention, and by many we are cordially 
greeted as messengers of good tidings to the poor 
and the perishing. 

" I have repeatedly conversed and prayed with 
those who are confined by sickness and infirmity to 
their rooms, and listened with much pleasure, as 
they testified from their own experience to the 
faithfulness and love of their Redeemer, and wit- 
nessed their sweet submission to the Divine will. 

" A beautiful and affecting illustration of the pow- 
er and influence of Evangelical faith was recently 
presented, in the case of one far advanced in life, 
and an invalid. It appears, that at a very early 
age religious impressions were made on her mind 
by a relative of her mistress, who sang the Ten 
Conimandments in verse, and who told her that 
'He who gave us those Commandments would be 
^her friend^ if she would trust in Him.' This sim- 
ple truth was received into a good and honest heart ; 



56 INCIDENTS. 

she believed^ and it was counted to her for righteous- 
ness. 'I have always, since that time/ said she, 
'trusted in Him, and I will still trust.' She re- 
quested prayer, ' that God would do with her just 
as He pleased ;' she was ' willing to suffer all He 
could lay upon her.' Her simple and unaffected 
manner, accompanied with tears of gratitude for 
what God had done for her, was most affecting, and 
well calculated to magnify the grace of God, as ex- 
hibited in one more than fourscore years of age, and 
near her Heavenly Home. 

"Another aged woman always greets me cordially 
and with childlike simplicity ; speaks feelingly of 
her dependence on God, and of the preciousness of 
the Saviour to her soul, and is never willing to have 
me leave her without offering prayer. She thinks 
much of Jesus Christ, and appears to rest her hope 
of salvation confidently on His merits alone. 

" Passing by another of these aged and afflicted 
servants of God, who for successive months has 
been an invalid and confined to her bed and room, 
she said : ' Jesus is near and 'precious ! If the 
whole of New- York were offered me for Christ, I 
would not accept it : His will is my will ; if He af- 
flicts, it is all right.^ 

" One, sick and blind, on recognizing my voice^ 
extended her emaciated hand to welcome me. 



INCIDENTS. 67 

" Here was presented an impressive instance of 
patient submission, which might have shamed many 
of- the professed followers of the Saviour. She is 
cheerfully anticipating the change which must ere 
long take place. Death to her seems divested of his 
terrors, as she reclines sweetly on the arm of Infinite 
Benevolence. She is indeed 'a living epistle, known 
and read of all ;' and her Christian example com- 
mands the respect and admiration of even the im- 
penitent around her. 

"Another case has interested me much. She, too, 
is one of God's afflicted people, but happy in the 
consciousness that her peace is made with God. 
She longs to be gone, but is submissive to the will 
of Heaven. ' Glorious prosjjects P she says, 'are 
opening to my view ; and why one so poor, igno- 
rant, useless, and unworthy, should be continued, is 
incomprehensible.' I endeavored to explain the 
mystery, that perhaps it was that she might show to 
those around her the efficacy of the blessedness of 
that religion which gives peace and consolation 
amidst the sharpest trials. This seemed a new idea, 
and one that afforded plejlsant reflection ; and she re- 
iterated the sentiment, ^All the days of rny apjwint- 
ed time will I wait till my change corned 

"My attention was called by a colored man, who 
conducted me to the sick-bed of one in the male de- 
3 



\'. 



58 INCIDENTS. 

partment. He was very ill, though able to converse ; 
and seemed deeply concerned for his soul. It ap- 
peared, from his own voluntary confession, that he 
had been notorious for his impiety. Profane, ran- 
corous in his opposition to religion and the friends of 
religion, he had carefully sought to shun their influ- 
ence, and to close his ear against the truth. It was 
apparent that the Holy Spirit was striving with him, 
for he hesitated not to express his penitence for sin, 
and requested me to pray for him. 

" On a subsequent visit, I found him more com- 
posed ; and light seemed breaking into his benighted 
mind. Alluding to his former antipathy to Chris- 
tians, he said he now felt very diiferent ; he loved 
to have them near him, and to hear their conversa- 
tion and prayers. He felt he could give himself to 
the Lord Jesus Christ, and believed that, though a 
great sinner, God could forgive him for Christ's sake. 
When asked what I should pray for, he said, ' That 
my associates may seek their salvation and come to 
Jesus Christ.' This unexpected and ingenuous 
concern for others seemed to furnish some cheering 
evidence that, 'though he*-was once blind, he now 
saw.' A short time before his death, he said to one 
who had formerly in vain attempted to converse 
with him in reference to his soul, ' The time was 
when I linted yon and vour religious conversation. 



INCIDENTS. 69 

but now I love you as a Christian.' His end was 
full of comfort and hope, and we feel encouraged to 
believe he was indeed ' a brand plucked out of the 
per' 

" After one of our religious services, an aged in- 
valid approached me with tears. On asking the 
cause of her solicitude, she replied, that 'though 
a professor of religion, she had been neglectful of 
prayer, and other Christian duties, and consequently 
had lost that sweet sense of forgiveness she once 
enjoyed.' I endeavored to impress her mind with 
the sinfulness and ingratitude of neglecting lier 
soul ; and urged her to look to Him who invites the 
wanderer to return and obtain forgiveness." 

" On one occasion I was much interested by the 
conversation of two individuals, who had been mi- 
avoidably prevented from attending service. One 
of them remarked, with an expression of counte- 
nance and an emphasis which indicated truth and 
honesty — ' Though not always with you, I can 
and do pray for you.' In another apartment, one 
remarked, that before he came to the Home, ' he 
knew not that he had an immortal souly but sup- 
posed that at death he should be like the beasts 
that perish, but since he had heard the Gospel, his 
views had been entirely changed.' He now con- 



60 INCIDENTS. 

verses intelligently in regard to the plan of salva- 
tion." 

" A poor inmate severely afflicted with cancer has 
recently deceased. Her coffined remains were con- 
veyed to the chapel on the Lord's Day, and from 
thence by her relations to the place of interment. 
She continued to the last hour of her life steadfast 
in the faith of the Gospel, and has left to surviving 
friends the cheering hope, that her end was peace. 
This event furnished an opportunity to speak to the 
assembled inmates of the necessity and importance 
of habitual preparation for death and judgment, 
which we endeavored to improve." 

" On inquiring of a sick man with whom I had 
been conversing, if he desired prayer should be 
offered in his behalf; with tears starting in his eyes 
he emphatically exclaimed, ' Oh yes ! I want faith 
to throw myself right on the Lord Jesus Christ.' " 

" Another, who was a poor victim of consump- 
tion, expressed himself as being happy in the pros- 
pect of death, and desired that prayer should be 
offered, ' that he might get safe hotne^ " 

" In tlie male department is a man about 30 
years old. About one month since he was led to see 
himself as lost and ruined by sin, and to look to 
Christ as his only refuge. He seems like one nevv- 
l)orn into the kingdom of grace, and to have adopted 



INCIDENTS. .61 

the resolution of Joshua—' As for me, I will serve 
the Lord.' " 

"A female, whose attention has recently been 
arrested, voluntarily came to me, to tell me what 
God had done for her soul. She also appears hum- 
ble, penitent, and much impressed with the love of 
Christ in dying for sinners. Speaking of her in- 
terest in the spiritual welfare of the unconverted, she 
remarked, 'she now loved them better than ever, 
and prayed that God would open their eyes to see 
their lost condition.' Her simple and unaffected 
manner, and her deep feeling, carried conviction to 
the mind that the blessed Spirit had indeed begun 
a good work which He would carry onward to ma- 
turity. 

"Two aged women have also expressed deep 
concern for their spiritual welfare, and appear to 
feel that they have too long neglected salvation, 
and that it is high time to give the subject immedi- 
ate attention." 

" At the close of one of our religious services, 
I was informed that an aged inmate, very ill, was 
desirous to see me. She was 87 years of age, and 
for 70 of that number had professed religion. As I 
approached her bedside, extending her withered 
had, she exclaimed, ' Oh, I am happy ! I am 
ready to go to my heavenly home at any time ; 



62 INCIDENTS. 

the Saviour is precious ; I ivould not give up the 
hope 1 have of an interest in Him for millions of 
worlds ! I have always found Him faithful to His 
word ; but when I get yonder ' (raising her eyes to- 
wards heaven), ' that will be best of all.' This old 
person has always been one of the most regular at- 
tendants upon religious worship, and her exemplary 
deportment has uniformly evinced the sincerity of 
her profession and her ripeness for heaven." 

•'A few days since, I was requested to visit one 
in the hospital, on whom a surgical operation was 
about to be performed. Seating myself by his bedside, 
I had scarcely commenced conversing with him, 
when I discovered that his mind was awake to the 
subject of religion, and that he was anxious for in- 
struction : his sins appeared before him in fearful 
magnitude, and all hope of pardon seemed to have 
fled. He imagined he had sinned beyond the pos- 
sibility of forgiveness. He, however, listened with 
evident interest, as I endeavored to preach to him 
the blessed Gospel of the Son of God, and unfold the 
fulness and freeness of salvation through Christ 
Jesus. After conversing and praying with him, I 
took my leave of him, promising to see him again 
shortly. 

" On the followhig Thursday I repaired to his 
bedside, and found him extremely feeble, in conse- 



INCIDENTS. 63 

qiience of the operation to whicli he had submitted, 
and that he could converse but little. On this oc- 
casion, I soon perceived that a great change had 
taken place in his experience— the clouds had dis- 
persed, and he now joyfully received the good news 
that Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost ; 
and that whoever believeth on Him, should not 
perish, but have everlasting life. He remarked, 
' that he thought he had given himself to the Sav- 
iour, and that he could now rely on Him for salva- 
tion. Yesterday,' said he, ' was a sweet day, for it 
was impressed upon my mind, that if I would be- 
lieve on Christ, He would save my soul. He makes 
me happy. He is indeed jjrecious to my soul. I 
wish I was able to talk, but I am too weak.' His 
view of the plan of salvation appears Scriptural, 
and 1 cannot but hope he has made his peace with 

God." 

" The triumphs of Divine grace," concludes the 
Chaplain, in one of his Reports to the Managers, 
"which we are permitted to witness among these 
poor ignorant subjects of your charity, seem often 
to consecrate the place, and call forth involuntarily 
the exclamation of the poet — 

' The chamber where the good man meets his flite, 
Is privileged beyond the common walks of life. 
quite on the verge of heaven.' 



64 MRS. R.'S STATEMENT. 

And we are constrained to feel that the self-denying 
effort in which this Society is engaged, is eminently 
approved of God. And may we not hope that some 
bright gems, that Avill adorn the Saviour's crown, 
will be gathered from those who have been the 
humble pensioners of your bounty ? ' Cast thy 
bread upon the waters ; for thou shalt find it after 
many days.' " 



-•-•-^ 



MRS. R.'S STATEMENT. 

Mrs. R., of the Reading Committee, in speaking 
of the readiness with which the inmates listened to 
religious instruction, states : — 

"It is a delightful occupation, and not unworthy 
the follower of Jesus, to sit in the society of such 
as when He was on earth He delighted to meet and 
to bless^ — the poor, the sick, the lame, and the blind ; 
and to dispense, not indeed like Him the words 
which gave the body healing ; but those of spiritual 
comfort and hope. It is truly gratifying to find so 
many among those whom the world overlooks as 
poor and ignorant, ' rich in faith,' and wise unto 
salvation. They cannot, in some instances, read — 
nor can they in words of burning eloquence explain 



MES. R.'S STATEMENT. 65 

how the love of God has operated to work in them 
a return of that love — but they have the witness 
within. ^ Jesus is precious, vejy jjreciotis.^ '■The 
Lord has taken sin from the soul,'' are expressions 
testifying their experimental knowledge of the justi- 
fying and sanctifying grace of God. 

"One on her death-bed said to me: 'Jesus is with 
me all the time — when I awake in the night, it 
seems as if His arms were around me, and all the 
day He continues near me.' These expressions 
prove nothing in themselves, except, as in the case 
of these persons, supported by the tenor of the daily 
life — but they come with a power which no human 
eloquence can give." 

It is certainly very encouraging to the hearts of 
the Reading Committee to receive so kind a welcome 
from those poor creatures, who kmoiv that we come 
to minister to their spiritual rather than their bodily 
wants. Many among them seem to be sensible of the 
importance of being able to read the Scriptures, and 
are diligent scholars at the feet of those of their number 
who were more fortunate in early life, and obtained 
this accomplishment. One woman, of perhaps 70 
ysars, began to learn her alphabet, and in about one 
month, such was her application and zeal, that, with 
the aid of occasional prompting, she learned to read 
several chapters in St. John's Gospel. '•' One aged 
3* 



6Q MKS. R.'S STATEMENT. 

woman (continues Mrs. R.) excited my interest by 
her contentment of spirit. I ventured to ask her the 
cause of her cheerfuhiess. ' Oh,' said she, ' I Uve 
in hope of a better place when I leave this one ; I 
take comfort in thinking of Heaven. I know my 
kind Master, who has carried me so far on my way 
towards it, will not desert me in my old age. His 
grace has been, and I trust ever will be, my support 
on the way.' Again : ' A girl, to whom my atten- 
tion was directed, had been brought to the home a 
few weeks since in the last stage of consumption. 
Although her bodily health was hopelessly gone, 
she had recourse to the Physician of souls, and found 
recovering grace at the last hour — grief for sin, and 
anxiety for pardon, for many days overcame and 
swallowed up her bodily sufferings. A short time 
before her death she seemed to find spiritual comfort, 
and she finally breathed her last, with her song of 
triumph on her lips. These and other instances 
show the incalculable benefit of tliis Institution to 
the souls of that neglected class who come under its 
care." 



PETEK BENSE. 67 



PETER BENSf:, 

Or " Peter Polite^'' as he was familiarly called at 
the Home, on account of his suavity of manner and 
respectful demeanor toward every one. 

To his superiors he always observed a marked 
deference, while to his associates and familiars he 
was courteous and pleasant. His address and man- 
ner appeared to belong to the school of Louis XIV. 

We do not feel authorized to make any special 
record of him as a decided Christian character ; but, 
from his general conduct and moral deportment 
while an inmate of the Home, we have reason to 
hope that he was not unmindful of his eternal in- 
terests ; and trust that he found mercy of the Lord 
in the day of his extremity. The varied and singu- 
lar events of his changeful life, make him worthy a 
passing notice in this brief history : we therefore 
give a short sketch of him, as obtained from verbal 
conversation occasionally had with him by the resi- 
dent physician, Dr. J. D. Fitch, to whom he ap- 
peared pleased to communicate some of the past 
scenes and circumstances connected with his early 
life. 

His statement was, that he was born in one of 



68 PETER BENSE. 

the West India islands, and that at a very early age 
he was taken by a gentleman to England, with whom 
he lived in the city of London until he was probably 
twenty years old. He then accompanied some pub- 
lic functionary (name not recollected) as valet^ to the 
Court of St. Petersburgh. In tliat city he remained 
until he was probably thirty-five years old. AVhile 
there, he frequently accompanied his master to court, 
where, from his complexion, he was viewed some- 
what as a curiosity, and was treated by members of 
the royal family with marked kindness and favor. 
He spoke of the Empress Catharine with strong ex- 
pressions of respect and esteem, and even of affection, 
on account of her great kindness and attention to him. 
On one occasion, when his master's duties required 
him to be absent for some weeks from St. Petersburgh, 
at the special request of the Empresshe was permitted 
to remain at the Palace Royal until his return; 
where he served not only as ' valet ' — but. having 
considerable taste as a coiffeur^ he was frequently 
employed in that capacity by the Royal Household. 
Among other reminiscences mentioned by Peter, 
he stated, that he was either in or near the palace 
at the time of the assassination of the Emperor Paul 
in 1801. He seemed quite familiar with the princi- 
pal occurrences of that eventful period — and while 
relating them manifested deep feeling and interest. 



PETER BENSE. 69 

During his residence in St. Petersburgh. he mar- 
ried a young native Russian woman, by whom he 
had two sons. About this time, (probably about 
1810,) his master was recalled home. After bidding 
adieu to his wife and children, he entered with his 
master on board of an English vessel then awaiting 
them at one of the Russian seaport towns. He re- 
marked it was a severe trial for him to part with his 
family — but he left them with the determination of 
returning to them whenever circumstances would 
permit him so to do. 

While on their way to England, and on the 
coast of France, their vessel was taken by a French 
cruiser, and carried into Brest ; from thence he, with 
his master, were conveyed prisoners to Paris. He 
stated that his master, although held a prisoner, 
was, by the order of Napoleon, treated with great 
attention, and allowed to visit and receive visits from 
many distinguished individuals residing in Paris. 
Among these were Marshals Ney and Soult. 

On one occasion his master was invited to dine 
with the latter ; Peter accompanied, and waited on 
him at table, this being customary. There were 
many prominent characters present, who flourished 
during the career of the Emperor Napoleon. He re- 
mained in Paris until after peace, and after the en- 



70 PETER BENSE 

trance of the allied armies ; leaving it just after Na- 
poleon had departed for Elba. 

During his stay in Paris, which was three or four 
years, he had frequent opportunities of seeing the 
Emperor both at Reviews and at the Palace Royal, 
as attendant on persons connected with the families of 
Soult and Ney. He was in London at the visit of the 
Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia to the Prince 
Regent, and appeared familiar with all the gay scenes 
of that period. He saw the Prince Regent on horse- 
back ride around Hyde Park, accompanied by Royal 
personages ; and he was at London during the cor- 
onation of George lYth, assisting as coiffeur to his 
master, who attended on that august occasion. He 
frequently, in his relation of the events of his life, 
mentioned many of the circumstances attending the 
all-exciting subjects of that day. He related many 
things connected with the trial of Q,ueen Caroline, 
consort of George IV. ; had frequent opportunities of 
seeing her ; and his sympathies were great on her 
behalf. 

Amidst all the changing vicissitudes of his wan- 
dering life, Peter remarked that he never forgot his 
wife and children, but constantly looked forward to 
the time when he should again return to them. 
When in London the last time, he received informa- 
tion in some way, that his family had gone to the 



PETER BENSE. 71 

United States and had landed in New- York, expect- 
ing to meet him there. On this inteUigence, he ob- 
tained permission of his master to go and join them. 
He immediately left England and proceeded to 
America, full of hope and anticipated happiness of 
again clasping to his bosom the wife of his youth, 
and his children. But ah ! how sad was his disap- 
pointment ! On arriving in New- York, all his inqui- 
ries respecting them were unsuccessful, and he could 
gain no information whatever respecting them. His 
continued efforts incurred expenses, and his little 
fund becoming exhausted, — poor and dispirited he 
sought the situation of a waiter, still determined, so 
soon as he could raise the means, to go back to St. 
Petersburgh, and seek his family. 

The accomplishment of this hope he never real- 
ized. Anxieties, and the infirmities of age broke 
down his health — his means of sustenance failed — 
and in this day of his emergencies (1841), he came 
to the Colored Homc^ seeking there within its walls 
a refuge and a resting-place. Here he remained 
until his decease, which occurred in June 1848, 
being as was supposed about ninety-three years old. 

Peter Bense was remarkable for his fluency of 
expression, — he spoke with the French accent. His 
memory was remarkably retentive ; in whicli there 
seemed but one defect ; there appeared to be a perfect 



72 PETER BENSE. 

vacuum in his mind as to the time which had 
elapsed since he separated from his wife and chil- 
dren; and when within a few days of his death his 
spirits revived, and he spoke cheerfully of the hope 
of again meeting them ; associating always the idea 
that he should find them as youthful and juvenile 
as when he parted from them — although nearly half 
a century had passed away. 

Among the articles which he considered of great 
value, were notes of recommendation from many dis- 
tinguished personages both in England and France ; 
and most particularly, a large parchment, on which 
was written his passport in the Russian language. 
His appearance when walking in the street was dig- 
nified ; carrying in his hand a large brass-headed 
cane, the companion of many years. His head was 
covered with full bushy hair, which, being whitened 
by age, had much the appearance of a wig. 

Alas ! poor Bense. Heaven had decreed that 
you should never meet again on earth the loved ones 
of your earlier days. May the hope be realized in 
that land of joy and gladness, where sorrow, disap- 
pointment, and parting are never known. 



CONCLUDING KEMARKS. 73 



CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

It would extend the limits of these pages too far, 
and time would fail us, to tell of all those who have 
found the Home but a pleasant stage in their jour- 
ney through this weary world to their final resting- 
place ; and who have died in faith in a certain hope 
of finding a " better country, even a heavenly ; 
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their 
God, for He hath prepared for them a city." 

In the foregoing instances we see that the minds 
of these sable ones were as susceptible of those feel- 
ings which dignify and elevate human nature as 
those of others ; and the humble, grateful expres- 
sion of their sense of God's mercy to them through 
Christ, as sincere and lively as ever emanated from 
those who may have been highly cultivated, or 
placed in more enlightened society under greater 
advantages. 

The influence of grace upon the heart is the 
same in its effects upon all classes ; as far as. chang- 
ing the will and temper is concerned. It humbles 
pride, and subdues the will ; it changes the heart of 
man, and brings him to view himself in his true 
character ; a poor, wretched sinner, exposed to 



74 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 

the just displeasure of a Holy God whom he has 
offended. 

When he becomes sensible of this, he is willing 
to be saved on God's terms. And this is the same, 
whether in the son of a prince, or untutored, unlet- 
tered child of obscurity, whatever be his complexion 
or circumstances. He who "made of one blood 
all nations of men," careth alike for all. The Sa- 
viour died for sinners — that whoever believeth on 
Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
The redemption of the soul is j)recious. 

Can we, then, be too earnest in seeking it both in 
ourselves and others ? — can we do too much to cause 
" the abundant grace by the thanksgiving of many, 
to redound Avith glory to God ?" Led of His Spirit 
and His Providence ; and blessed as we have in this 
effort been of Him ; is it possible that we can do too 
much for Jesus ? — for Jesus, who for us endured the 
cross, despising the shame ! 

M. W. T. 



CONDENSED STATEMENT OF THE COL- 
ORED HOME— ITS ORIGIN, &c. 

The Colored Home of the city of New-York originated 
in the liberality of OTie Christian lady — Miss Jay, daugh- 
ter of the late distinguished and venerable John Jay, of 
New-York. 

The sum of One Thousand Dollars was paid over by 
Miss Jay, to a few ladies who convened at the residence 
of her sister, Mrs. Maria Bauyer, in the autumn of 1839. 
The sum appropriated was especially designed for the 
relief of the sick and respectable Colored Aged. 

This was the origin of the Colored Home, In the 
year 1845, the Society was incorporated by the State Le- 
gislature, under the title of " Tlie Society for the Sujyport 
of the Colored Home.'''' A petition was also presented to 
the Legislature for the repeal of certain acts passed 
March 11th, 1839, and May 26th, 1841 (which appro- 



76 CONDENSED STATEMENT. 

priated $10,000 for a State Hospital in the city of New- 
York), asking a transfer of the money therein named to 
the Colored Home. 

These acts were repealed, a new act framed, and the 
money aforesaid was transferred to the Managers of the 
Colored Home, to be applied to the erection of a perma- 
nent building on the real estate belonging to the said 
Home in the city of New-York, for the relief and sup- 
port of disabled Colored Sailors, and other infirm and 
destitute colored people. 

With a view to more extensive usefulness, the Society 
made arrangements with the Commissioners of the Aims- 
House, to receive into the Institution, at a very low rate, 
all colored paupers of the city, reserving the right to 
reject such applicants as the resident physician should 
medically pronounce unfit patients for the Colored 
Home. 

In 1848, the Society purchased 44 lots of ground 
lying on Sixty-Fifth-street, between Avenue A and First 
Avenue ; upon which the Managers have recently erected 
a suitable building. It consists of two distinct divisions 
or wings, for the accommodation of the male and female 
departments, each 100 by 26 feet, separated by a ground 
plot of 100 feet, the whole forming an open square. 

At the first meeting, in 1839, after the adoption of 



OFFICERS. 77 

the constitution, twelve individuals were proposed and 
received as objects worthy of relief. 

During the year 1847, the statistics show that the 
Institution had, during that period, under its care nearly 
one thousand persons ; a large proportion of whom were 
from the Aims-House. 

The Colored Home is conducted in a careful and ju- 
dicious manner. 

The following persons at present constitute its Board 
of Officers and Managers : — 

OFFICERS : 
Mrs. Mary Ann Wells, First Directress. 
Mrs. Samuel J. Beebee, Second Directress. 
Mrs. William W. Chester, Recording Secretary. 
Mrs. N. E. Russell, Corresponding Secretary. 
Mrs. John Harper, Treasurer. 

MANAGERS : 
Mrs. P. G. Arcularius, Mrs. J. D. Fitch, 

Mrs. C. B. Noon, Mrs. E. D. Willis, 

Mrs. Thomas D. Moore, Mrs. John A. Livingston, 

Mrs. Harvey Peet, Mrs. F. S. Winston, 

Mrs. Edward Stone, Mrs. J. W. Smyth, 

Mrs. Col. Thompson, Miss Sarah Bunce, 

Mrs. B. B. Atterbury, Miss M. Beebee, 

Mrs. E. M. De Peyster, Miss M. C. De Peyster, 

Mrs. Washington Roosevelt, Miss Elizabeth Clarkson Jay, 
Mrs. E. B. Goddard, Miss A. Hamilton, 

Miss C. Murray. 



•) 



78 OFFICEKS. 

ADVISERS : 

W. W. Chester, Esq., James D. Fitch, M. D., 

John Jay, Esq., John Harper, Esq., 

W. G. Bull, Esq., Stephen Cambrelling, Esq., 

John A. Bunting, Esq. 

Chaplain — Rev. Charles C. Darling. 
Steward — James Beatty. 
Matron — Ann M. Beatty. 
Teacher — Sarah Beatty. 

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT : 

Resident Physician — James D. Fitch, M. D. 
Assistant Physician — Dr. H. K. Olmsted. 

MEDICAL COUNCIL : 

honorary biemeers. 

J. C. Cheeseman, M. D. Thomas Cock, M. D. 

PHYSICIANS: 

J. W. Francis, M. D. T. M. Markoe, M. D. 

George Wilkes, M. D. 

SURGEONS : 
Willard Parker, M. D. G. A. Sabine, M. D. 

J. K. Rodgers, M. D. 



"J 



i 



.V 






7 



'J--- 






V 



^ 



-^^0^ 



m^ 






^^0^ 
^9.. 



o 

o 






.*•-•' 



.^^ 



v^ 




"^•v . \ c • • 



^9 

Vi - „ Y • O - ■ 













'^. ^W*!^ ^--^ \s..,.^.- .^^"^ 



o 






O. 'o , » * 






*°-^* 



0' 



.-l°<. 



\ s » . *'- 



o 






* - - ' ,0" 



\^ .%L.^-;.>. ^ 



° - ^ ^?\ ' 

P c^ * ' \'' 'O, oJ^ * - 









y • o. 






v^ ^ . ' • • ' 









-^^0^ 



.0 



O. •^oVo' ,0 







.^ 



^^^ 






.\^ 



vP<b '/ , yr*-^^ 



< ^ s ' 



1,1 



(5 










-^^0^ 



'^. 









<", 










)0 






O M O 








.^"f "^o 



o • i 






A 






J> ° •: « * 




o « o 



/ ■^^^ 



O , A 



A 



'N 



<". 



r.s* .o' 



• •■'/'» "o. ^^' o°'!<'* 



^oK 



^, 









^^ 




^^^^ N. MANCHESTER ~ 

INDIANA 



O 



A 



V^ r. O " « -» 



c*""* 




•?- 



*^^^ 




V » ^ s 



w^t 









LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





DDDEDTltEDS 



